GG vs RCB: The Gujarat Giants produced an authoritative performance, winning by six wickets over the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a Women’s Premier League (WPL) encounter. An explosive half-century by captain Ashleigh Gardner, who hit a 31-ball fifty, drove the Giants towards an easy win. This was the 2nd win for the Giants, whereas RCB had their third loss in a row resulting in increasing their troubles in this season.
RCB Batting Order Collapses Under Pressure IN GG vs RCB
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RCB’s innings got off to a series of disappointments. Gujarat’s bowlers, spearheaded by Deandra Dottin (2 wickets for 31 runs) and Tanuja Kanwar (2 wickets for 16 runs), successfully shut down the RCB batting order. The top order failed, with the likes of Smriti Mandhana (10 runs), Danni Wyatt-Hodge (4 runs), and Alice Perry (0 runs) getting bowled cheaply in the powerplay.
There was a fleeting resurgence courtesy of Kanika Ahuja (33 runs from 28 balls) and Raghavi Bisht (22 runs from 19 balls), who combined to make 48 runs. But their surge was checked by run-outs, led by Bharti Fulmali and Tanuja Kanwar. The rest of the RCB batswomen were not able to push the tempo, with Georgia Verham (20 not out) and Richa Ghosh (9 runs) being unable to rescue the innings. A crucial yorker by Kashvi ended Ghosh’s effort, marking the seal of RCB’s fate.
Giants Smooth Chase Driven by Gardner and Litchfield
Pursuing a moderate target of 125 runs, Gujarat Giants completed the chase in only 16.3 overs. Ashleigh Gardner’s forceful batting was the foundation of the chase, having scored 58 runs off six boundaries and three sixes. Her aggressive scoring kept the Giants ahead of the required run rate.
Gardner’s association with Phoebe Litchfield (30 not out) was the turning point. Together, they put on 51 runs in 36 balls and destroyed the RCB bowling attack. Litchfield’s unflustered innings, with Gardner’s big-hitting abilities, made for an easy win. Even Gardner’s fall in the 16th over couldn’t deter them. Litchfield finished off the match with a six.
Early Wickets Cripple RCB’s Start
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RCB’s woes started in the powerplay. Electing to bat after winning the toss, they were subjected to a merciless Gujarat bowling attack. Georgia Verham and Renuka Singh Thakur both took two wickets, halting RCB’s top order. Renuka’s two wickets of Beth Mooney and Dayalan Hemalatha reduced RCB to 34-3 within the first five overs.
Gardner’s Blistering Batting Reshapes the Course
Ashleigh Gardner’s attacking strategy turned the match around. She began with a boundary and then released a chain of scoring, where 19 runs came in one over, with three fours in succession followed by a six off Prema Rawat. Her tenure at the crease with Litchfield stabilized the game, allowing Gardner to keep attacking. Two successive sixes off Verham in the 16th overtook the Giants to the brink of victory. Even though Gardner was out, her effort had already won the Giants the game.
RCB Bowling Unit Fails to Restrict Giants
RCB bowlers could not stop the run flow. Though Renuka Singh Thakur and Georgia Verham both picked two wickets, they could not restrict the Giants’ batting. The pressure building up and the absence of fielding support only added to their woes.
WPL 2024: Giants Pick Up Momentum, RCB Under Pressure
This win is a big boost to the Gujarat Giants, presenting themselves as all-round performers. This third loss in a row for RCB puts under the scanner their batting strategy and team balance. The Giants will see how to follow up on this, while the RCB will need to re-strategize to stay in the tournament.
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